These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| NRC Case #: | 011-97 |
|---|---|
| INSUM #: | One |
| Occurence Date: | 12 April 1997 |
| Location: | Southwest Pass, Gulf of Mexico |
| Source: | M/V Formosa Six |
| Material: | Ethylene Dichloride |
| Severity: | Major |
| Quantity Discharged: | 406,000 gallons |
| Quantity in Water: | 406,000 gallons |
| Body of Water Affected: | Gulf of Mexico |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | Marine Safety Office New Orleans, LA |
SITUATION: On Saturday, April 12, 1997, a major release of ethylene dichloride occurred when the outbound M/V Formosa Six (Liberian) collided with the outbound M/V Flora (Cyprus) in the Southwest Pass Entrance to the Mississippi River. The M/V Formosa Six sustained damage to the #5 and #6 port ballast tanks and the #6 port cargo tank which contained 552,000 gallons of ethylene dichloride. The vessel is at Southwest Pass Anchorage surrounded by a one mile safety zone. The M/V Flora suffered minor damage to the bow and is at Davant Anchorage. River traffic has not been affected by the incident. MSO investigators are conducting crew interviews and drug testing on both vessels. CASE PENDS.